KILMARNOCK sensation Liam Kelly has revealed he had been promised a debut by Jim Jefferies — only for the gaffer to be sacked just after.

Successor Jimmy Calderwood eventually gave him his big chance — one the midfielder grabbed with both hands.

The highlight of his four-game run was the dream double which knocked Caley Thistle out of the Scottish Cup at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Kelly, who hopes to celebrate his 20th birthday tomorrow by being picked against Falkirk, said: “I had been speaking to Jim Jefferies and he said he would bring me in after Christmas as he wanted to give me a run of games.

“But I am just happy Jimmy Calderwood has given me my chance to be playing now and I hope to hold down a place in the team.”

Kelly also knocked back reports that he is Irish by insisting that he actually qualifies to play for Scotland.

He said: “I was born in England and both my parents are Scottish “As far as I know there is no Irish blood.